Graduate jobs hope 'the main reason' for university applications

A new study has indicated the main priority for university students is securing the qualifications necessary to secure good graduate jobs.

Research conducted by the National Union of Students (NUS) has revealed that 68 per cent of university applicants were most concerned about fulfilling their career ambitions.

Only 28 per cent cited the overall university experience, including social activities, as the main determinant in their decision to apply.

Commenting on the results, NUS president Wes Streeting said: "It can only be beneficial to our society and economy for more people to fulfil their potential through higher education, and we hope that the experience of current students will encourage more people to apply in future."

He added that expensive student fees continued to prevent many students from poorer backgrounds from applying to university.

Last week, research published by FreshMinds Talent indicated that professionals aged 26 and under expect greater employment benefits than their older colleagues.